Code of Conduct for Alumni and Non-Alumni engaging with the University of Bristol

This policy applies to all alumni and non-alumni who engage with the University of Bristol. This includes those attending events or participating in programmes, communications, and digital platforms, whether in person, online, or via email, phone, or other communication methods. 

1.      Introduction

1.1 The University of Bristol hopes that all alumni will find value and relevance in staying closely connected with the University and that they will, in turn, be inspired to play an active role in the institution’s continuing success.

1.2 The University of Bristol promotes a respectful, diverse, and inclusive culture.

1.3 The University is committed to providing a positive working and learning environment that enriches lives and where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.  This commitment stretches to all alumni and non-alumni of the University of Bristol, whilst engaging with the University through programmes, events, communications, and digital platforms.

1.4 We expect alumni and non-alumni, when engaging with the University of Bristol, to be aware of their own behaviour and how it impacts on others.

1.5 By engaging with the University in these ways, individuals agree to adhere to these expectations, to ensure a safe, harassment-free, and respectful environment for everybody.

2.      Our code of conduct

2.1 Unacceptable behaviour may involve actions, words or physical gestures that could reasonably be perceived to be the cause of another person’s distress or discomfort. Unacceptable behaviour can take forms including face-to-face interaction, written, telephone or email communication, or communication via a digital platform, including social media and video conferencing software.

2.2 Examples of unacceptable behaviours include, but are not limited to:

• Bullying, harassment, or unacceptable behaviour on the grounds of sex, race, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010
  
  
• Inappropriate language or the sharing of inappropriate images, including in talks and presentations
  
  
• Deliberate intimidation, including, but not limited to, following another individual, in person or online, making repeated and/or unreasonable demands, taking photographs of an individual or group or recording another individual without permission
  
  
• Deliberate disruption of physical or digital events 
  Inappropriate or unwanted physical or sexual attention or contact 
  Aggressive or abusive behaviour, whether in person, online or on the phone
  
  
• Spreading malicious rumours or gossip
  
  
• Misuse of power or position, including overbearing supervision

2.3 If an individual is asked by a member of University of Bristol staff or others participating in University programmes to stop engaging in behaviour that has been identified as in breach of our conduct expectations, we expect them to comply immediately. 

2.4 If an individual has engaged in behaviour identified as in breach of our conduct expectations, the co-ordinators of the activity and/or University staff may take immediate action that they deem appropriate, including issuing a verbal warning, ending a phone call, limiting further contact to written communication only, requiring the individual to leave an event, programme, or activity, or, in the most extreme cases, contacting relevant authorities and taking any other action considered appropriate.